Alumni Service Award
Adrienne Johnson-Dowling ’91, P’28
Adrienne Johnson-Dowling ’91, P’28 is head of internal audit and SOX reporting at Apollo Global Management, a leading provider of alternative asset management and retirement solutions. Outside of her professional career, Adrienne and her husband Lee are the proud parents of Nicholas, Delanie, William ’28, and Demi. They manage their family’s Wagyu cattle farm, Deer Hill, in Cazenovia, N.Y.
Despite the demands of her professional and personal life, Johnson consistently prioritizes giving back and living a life of service. Her dedication caught the attention of fellow Stag alumnus and former colleague, Andrew McMahon’89, P’19, ’13, who encouraged her to become more involved with their shared alma mater. Johnson first joined the Fairfield Awards Dinner Committee, driven by a passion to support scholarships and expand access to a Fairfield education. She later took on the role of co-chair for four years, furthering the event’s success and impact.
Building on this commitment to Fairfield, Johnson eagerly embraced additional opportunities to contribute to its growth. She lent her industry expertise to the Charles F. Dolan School of Business as a member of its Advisory Board and volunteered as a mentor to students — participating in panels, conducting mock-interviews, advising on résumés, and facilitating network connections. With a BS from the Dolan School at Fairfield and an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University, Johnson’s strong educational foundation, extensive leadership experience, and steadfast commitment to Jesuit values have made her an invaluable resource and role model for the Fairfield community.
Johnson credits Fairfield for teaching her how to live a life of service, and she is enthusiastic about paying it forward. “I got an incredible education at Fairfield. I was a business school student, but equally important to everything I was learning in accounting, marketing, and management, was always looking for ways to serve those around me. The focus on a Jesuit education and the idea that service is at the heart of all that we do —that’s the platform for everything,” she said. This formative experience has been a catalyst for Johnson’s involvement in scholarships and mentorship at Fairfield. “Giving students the opportunity to attend Fairfield, sharing the importance of service, and leading by example— that’s what’s most important to me.”
Outside of her work with Fairfield, Johnson has served on the board of the Women’s Bond Club, an organization dedicated to mentoring and supporting women pursuing careers in financial services and related fields. She is also a passionate advocate for veteran causes, supporting initiatives like Syracuse Honor Flight and Wreaths Across America. In addition, she remains deeply involved in her local community, regularly volunteering at her church and her children’s schools.
As a proud Fairfield parent, Johnson is thrilled to embark on a new chapter with her son, William ’28, who is now in his first year at the University.
